“I just really want to inspire other people. I’m so young, and I just want people to understand that they can do more than just school, that they can do both, and that muscles are beautiful… If I can inspire anyone by doing what I do, that’s what motivates me to do it.” –Brooke Wells

Brooke Wells is a three-time CrossFit Games athlete, making her first appearance after winning the Central Regional at just 19 years old. She is consistently one of the top 20 Fittest Women in the world, finishing 16th in 2015, 6th in 2016, and 14th in 2017. In addition to her full training schedule, Brooke also attends school at the University of Missouri where she is earning her business degree.

Jessica Griffith is also a three-time CrossFit Games athlete, and made her rookie debut as an individual in 2017. She works full-time as an emergency room nurse at a Level I Trauma Center in St. Louis and enjoys how many people she’s able to help on a daily basis through her work. Jessica successfully balances her long work hours with a rigorous training schedule that helps prepare her for the challenges of competing at the Games.

Brooke and Jessica were hallmates at the 2017 CrossFit Games and formed a fast friendship as they encouraged each other through the trials of cyclocross, swimming, an obstacle course, and more. I caught up with Brooke and Jess at the Rogue Winter Classic to chat about their evolution as CrossFit Games athletes, how they balance their training with school and work, and what tips, habits, and practices they use to be successful as they train for the 2018 CrossFit Games.

In this episode we discuss:

Where Jessica & Brooke grew up and how they ended up in Missouri

Which sports they participated in growing up, and how that contributed to their CrossFit journey

How winning her first scaled CrossFit competition inspired Brooke to pursue CrossFit more seriously

How Jessica evolved from a team athlete to an individual Games athlete

Their favorite and least favorite moments from the Games and Regionals

How Jessica and Brooke’s friendship grew as they encouraged each other through the 2017 Games

Brooke’s feelings on the importance of finishing school as a priority over CrossFit, and how she manages her time to accomplish both goals

How Jessica balances work as a full-time emergency room nurse while training for the Games

How unhealthy working in the healthcare field can be, and how CrossFit gives Jessica an avenue to share healthy lifestyle with others

Jessica’s growing interest in holistic healthcare

Habits and practices that Brooke and Jessica find to be helpful on a daily basis

Brooke and Jessica’s daily routines

What motivates Brooke and Jessica to train with such intensity in addition to their full schedules

Using CrossFit to inspire others to lead healthier lives

How they handle the stresses of being away from their regular training routine

Three things Brooke & Jessica do on a regular basis that have the biggest positive impact on their health

One thing they struggle to implement that could have a big impact on their health

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below and on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every other Tuesday.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is meant to share the experiences of various individuals. It does not provide medical advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from your physician or health care professional.